Scottsdale, Arizona – For Scott Boras, the prestigious agent known for representing top MLB players, the recent offseason was far from ideal. As the 2023-24 MLB offseason unfolded, it became a memorable period marked by blockbuster deals and record-breaking contracts. From Shohei Ohtani’s massive $700 million agreement to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ billion-dollar spending spree and the New York Yankees’ acquisition of Juan Soto, the offseason was action-packed.
However, one storyline that stood out was Boras’s pursuit of lucrative deals for his top four free-agent clients: Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger, Jordan Montgomery, and Matt Chapman. Despite entering the offseason with high expectations, only one of Boras’s clients, Jung Hoo Lee, managed to secure a significant deal, signing with the San Francisco Giants for $113 million.
The rest of Boras’s clients faced challenges in securing the expected big-money deals. Snell, the former Cy Young winner, ended up signing a two-year, $62 million contract, significantly below initial projections. Similarly, Bellinger and Montgomery also settled for shorter-term deals with lower guarantees, raising questions about Boras’s negotiation strategies.
As the dust settled on the offseason, it became apparent that Boras’s clients did not receive the lucrative offers anticipated. The disparity between projected and actual contract values highlighted the challenges faced by the players and their agent in navigating a competitive free-agent market. Despite Boras’s reputation for securing top deals, this offseason proved to be a test of his ability to deliver for his clients.
Moving forward, the performances of Snell, Bellinger, Montgomery, and Chapman in the upcoming season will be closely watched. With opt-out clauses in their contracts, the players have the opportunity to re-enter free agency next offseason and potentially secure better deals if they can deliver on the field. The outcome of their short-term contracts will determine the success of Boras’s strategy in the long run.